Greenbelt receives national acclaim for climate, civic energy

Magazine calls city one of the eight greatest ‘unsung' places

"It is lovely that the readers of ‘Mother Earth News' have been let in on the secret that so many have known for so long, that Greenbelt is truly a wonderful place in which to live and work," said Gretchen Overdurff, general manager for housing cooperative Greenbelt Homes, Inc. "It is a special kind of community with values and a lifestyle that people seek. Greenbelt provides more than a home to its residents. It is a way of life."

Comfortable climate, compelling architecture, positive civic energy, investment in the local economy and environmental initiatives were some of the areas in which cities were rated for this year's ranking.

Other cities that made the list this year were Ames, Iowa; Berea, Ky.; Bethel, Maine; Bisbee, Ariz.; Moscow, Idaho; San Luis Obispo, Calif.; Traverse City, Mich. and Viroqua, Wis.

"There are a lot of big cities that get recognition so for us to be noticed for qualities and characteristics worth coming to visit, that is a great pick-me-up," said Greenbelt Mayor Judith Davis. "It was a very pleasant surprise."

Del. Justin Ross (D-Dist. 22) of Greenbelt said that as a lifelong resident he was not surprised at the recognition.

"The city is an incredible multi-cultural community that provides wonderful services for its citizens," he said. "I love how it's a melting pot of different races and cultures. It's not perfect, but it's better than most."

The magazine hailed Greenbelt for its cooperatives and a pedestrian-friendly layout, along with its close proximity to Washington, D.C.

"We thought it was such a cool city. The forethought in which it was created is a great example for communities all over. It is also a great example of taking the value of the natural setting into consideration," said "Mother Earth News" publisher and editorial director Bryan Welch.

"Mother Earth News" is a Kansas-based bi-monthly publication which focuses on sustainable, self-reliant living. The magazine features articles on such topics as options on cutting energy costs, using renewable energy, green homes and organic gardening.

"From my aspect, particularly from an environmental aspect with how great they are about trees and the environment it's just a pretty awesome place," said Leslie Riddle, Greenbelt Parks and Grounds superintendent. "You have a lot of involved citizens … the best thing is the community involvement and that Greenbelt truly is a green city."

Old Greenbelt resident Ethel Dutky has lived in Greenbelt for nearly a decade at various times in her life and said she enjoys the lake, the fitness center and the community center.

"Greenbelt is a lovely place with activities and lots of amenities, even considering that it is relatively low cost housing," she said. "I have lovely neighbors and it's like living in a beautiful forest."

E-mail Gay Ojugbana at gojugbana@gazette.net.